International shopping Expo
Walk into Penelope’s and you’ll be transported to a land far away. The incense smells of Morocco, the music of Africa and the décor of India create a unique shopping experience. Attractive displays using wrought iron arches, bongo drums and antique-inspired furnishings help shoppers imagine the design ideas working in their homes. The shop is run by a family that’s been in the import business for four generations, allowing them to create an unrivalled collection of goods from around the globe, all to be displayed under one roof in Vancouver. Imports come from more than a dozen different countries, including New Zealand, Nepal, India, Iran, Afghanistan, Laos, Mexico, Turkey and Thailand. Penelope’s deals directly with artisans and producers, and everything is faire trade.

Handmade items from around the globe
From a circa-1920 “chapan” jacket from Afghanistan to bejeweled shoes from India to woven bags from Guatemala, worldly folks will surely find something that suits their style at Penelope’s. There’s a wide range of handmade clothing for men, women and children, such as alpaca sweaters from Peru, wool ponchos from Thailand and embroidered vests from Afghanistan. Accessories abound with baskets full of flowing scarves, beaded purses and knitted hats, as well as large glass jewelry cases full of silver and stones from Peru. There are also plenty of decorative items for the home, including wall hangings, tableware and original paintings. Penelope’s sells a mix of new and antique pieces and boasts a unique collection of rarities from around the globe with a focus on the handmade.

Quality furniture made to your specifications
Found a piece of furniture you love in a history book? You could have your very own replica thanks to Penelope’s! In addition to selling furniture off the floor, the boutique also does custom orders. Customers can bring in a photo and their own ideas, or leaf through one of the brochures of stock designs. All of the custom carpentry is done at a workshop in Vancouver, but Penelope’s also brings in pieces from Peru and Ecuador, where it operates its own workshops.